http://youtu.be/6OxCSBw2UTs
^This
Nostalgia Critic makes a fantastic point on the argument of fiction being an escape for reality.
I originally thought things like anime, video games, books, movies, and etc were a way to escape reality, but this video changed that thought.

No Anime No Internet No Games No Manga....No Life just saying. Anime, Manga and games are the only things, that keep my mind out of this cruel reality and if it weren't for those things, I wouldn't be here today.

P.S: And yes real life sucks which is why I enjoy everything that has to do with Virtual reality or internet the most

Recently I thought about why I love watching anime so much, and I came up with this... usually, at least from the shows that I watch, 9 times out of 10 the character(s) are on some sort of adventure or in a struggle to obtain something that you really can't buy with money, like a place to belong, or a true friendship, you know, stuff that actually matters. The process of getting there is on a much more intellectual/spiritual sort of level too, or at the very least, just plain fun.

They don't have to consume all their time with grinding at a day job, or worrying about paying bills, or adhere to any bogus rules of society. Sometimes they don't even have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. I fucking envy that shit. lol

Virtual Reality will be the greatest escape. Can you imagine how it would feel to someone who wants to escape so badly.

So many people are unsatisfied with this reality, offering an escape as great as VR, I can only imagine the consequences. But at the same time I can also imagine how liberating and awesome it would feel.

To be fair, a reality where resources are limited, longevity is finite, disease ravages people young and old and across the globe, and no rational explanation for why things ought to be this way is in sight is pretty much a bullshit reality. Still, there's a right way to confront that problem and a wrong way to confront that problem, and it's a pretty safe bet that retreating into a virtual reality for the duration of one's life is not the right way. I'm pretty sure the right way is to shout "THIS IS BULLSHIT!" and then do something to fix this reality, even if only in a single, immeasurably small way.

Virtual Reality will be the greatest escape. Can you imagine how it would feel to someone who wants to escape so badly.

So many people are unsatisfied with this reality, offering an escape as great as VR, I can only imagine the consequences. But at the same time I can also imagine how liberating and awesome it would feel.

To be fair, a reality where resources are limited, longevity is finite, disease ravages people young and old and across the globe, and no rational explanation for why things ought to be this way is in sight is pretty much a bullshit reality. Still, there's a right way to confront that problem and a wrong way to confront that problem, and it's a pretty safe bet that retreating into a virtual reality for the duration of one's life is not the right way. I'm pretty sure the right way is to shout "THIS IS BULLSHIT!" and then do something to fix this reality, even if only in a single, immeasurably small way.

I doubt you'd disagree.

Thank you! Yes! Finally

So many people forget to do the red part they just say "THIS IS BULLSHIT!" cross their arms and hope someone else just is gonna come along and make it better.

'Course I'm not against VR at all
actually I'm for full dive, just in moderation yo

My reality is ridiculously fantastic. Individuals, groups and companies around the world spend millions of hours creating and sharing amazing stories with me. There are so many interesting people out there I can observe and interact with, even if its just through watching the shows they create. I have access to so many ideas its astounding: there seems to be a limitless supply of gems out there to discover, packaged up in easy to consume video and other formats. My reality contains Clannad, Kino's Journey, Steins;Gate, Basara, Shigofumi and so much more (Like superscalar microprocessors, quantum mechanics, self governing peoples, pizza, you etc) : how could I not love it? Escaping reality is a silly concept; I just go explore a part of it that's more interesting to me. I get to decide what I care about; I can make what ever I want important.

Escaping reality is sometimes good to take your mind off of things that are stressful; however, escaping reality completely will cause you to lose sight of things that are important in life. So its best to experience the reality of life itself than to exclude yourself from anyone or anything around you.

From when I started to get into it, school was really bad and I didn't have easy access to books (overdue fees, too far away, ect.) but it was my way of escapism. Now, when I really get into a show its amazing, especially when I see other people as eager it kinda makes me feel like we're all alittle family in a way. But it helps make real life a bit better

do something to fix this reality, even if only in a single, immeasurably small way.

^^^^
YES!

i hear what everyone is saying..i can understand as an introvert and an overthinker. I even have anxiety and it is starting to develop into a social anxiety (which sucks because i love interacting with people). So for me anime is a new platform (which i just got into withing the last year) to allow me to ease my mind, and bring lessons and reasoning into this reality from what i see and experience with them. for me it has always been video games though because ive been a gamer for a long time. I relate to those who daydream all the time and wish they could have and experience a better reality...how i want sooo bad to focus on what REALLY matters..Things that take commitment and dedication and even un human powers!! xD...not working my way up at some job or going through the same bullshit processes of civilian life...

The point im trying to get at is, although it is an awesome thing to get into those worlds of your choosing..it is a very bad idea to lock yourself into a small box and gaze at the world through the internet window. I LOVE being online and cant really imagine my life being disconnected from my multitudes of stories and worlds...but i have been travelling a lot lately and throughout my life and i urge every single one of you to leave where you are and go somewhere new in this world (whether as a tourist, student, work). The world is so huge and just visiting different countries as someone completely new..i swear..is one of the greatest feelings in the world. You really feel like it is an adventure and the world is yours to conquer! After i do another month or two throughout europe i am going to be transferring to the University of Tokyo to finish my education i strive to do what i can to change this world in whatever small way that i can and i know that everyone here has the creative potential and drive and energy to do the same!

sorry for this being so long but i had a lot to say and had to keep the long post trend going